Lemont High School Honors October Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with October Student of the Month accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 19. The district said the honorees were senior Paige Connolly (Physical Education), junior Amanda Lopykinski (Art), sophomore Neha Samuel (World Languages) and freshman Leila Rexhepi (Family & Consumer Sciences).

Each month, Lemont High School honors a student from each grade level for hard work and dedication to the school and the community. Selections rotate among the school’s various departments from month to month. Only 32 students earn Student of the Month accolades each school year, with four individuals honored each month from October through May, according to the district.

Local businessman Brad Grcevic, of Edward Jones, Inc., contributes a donation each month to a charity selected by the “Student of the Month” award winners. This month’s winners selected Lemont High School’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to receive the donation.

The following information was provided by Lemont High School:

Leila Rexhepi, Freshman, Family & Consumer Sciences

Leila Rexhepi was named the Freshman Student of the Month by the Family & Consumer Sciences
Department. Leila’s favorite classes include English I Honors and Family & Consumer Sciences
Survey, and she also is looking forward to taking Human Rights & World Affairs. She was a member of the girls’ golf program this fall, and also has joined the Drama Club. Leila has made a tremendous effort to connect during remote learning, and often stays on class calls to ask clarifying questions, provide helpful feedback, or offer information that can expand upon the lesson. She sees the value in applying coursework to real life, and takes interest in the well-being of her peers and teachers. In the future, Leila hopes to travel and participate in human rights projects. She enjoys art, golf, baking and cooking.

Neha Samuel, Sophomore, World Languages

The World Languages Department tabbed Neha Samuel as the Sophomore Student of the Month. A
high honor roll student, Neha counts Cinema Studies, Introduction to Digital Art and English II Honors among her most enjoyable classes. She is a member of both the Speech Team and Anime Club, and also has been involved in the choral program. Neha has earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and a black belt in taekwondo, and painted “The Quarryman’s Wings” mural in town. Her teachers note she adapted perfectly to remote learning, volunteering to share information and take leadership roles both in break out groups and the class at-large. She plans on pursuing a career as a human rights lawyer. Neha enjoys drawing, painting, acting, embroidery and creative writing.

Amanda Lopykinski, Junior, Art

Amanda Lopykinski was cited as the Junior Student of the Month by the Art Department. A high
honor roll performer, Amanda enjoys science-related classes, as well as Drawing & Painting III and Introduction to Teaching. She is a two-time class representative, a member of both the Science National Honor Society and Interact, and plays United States Tennis Association events year-round. As a freshman, she earned first-team all-state honors thanks to her effort at the IHSA State Finals. In the classroom, Amanda seeks improvement by listening to critiques and putting them to use. She takes on new challenges head on, and her work reflects that commitment. Amanda plans to pursue a degree in secondary education and play tennis in college. She likes hanging out with friends and family, drawing, painting and music.

Paige Connolly, Senior, Physical Education

The Physical Education Department selected Paige Connolly as the Senior Student of the Month.
Paige is a high honor roll student who enjoys Athletic Performance, Forensic Science, and any
science classes. She is heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, including girls’ volleyball, Link Crew and Student Council. She also is a National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society inductee, and serves on the board of the Health Occupations Student Association. Paige excels in Athletic Performance, leveraging her work ethic and focus to become a stronger, faster athlete. She sets the tone for her peers and is a technician with the lifts done in class. Paige plans on pursuing studies in pre-physical therapy and playing college volleyball, and someday hopes to live in Colorado. In her free time, she works at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and enjoys volunteering, listening to music, spending time with friends, skiing and going to concerts.